The sun is finally shining and the field at last is dry.
But here I sit, still stuck inside, dividing x by y.

Homework is inhuman, its inventor vile and cruel.
The law should read that schoolwork’s done within the walls of school.

My mother is a monster too, for when I’m done with math
She’ll make me clean my closet, make my bed, and take a bath.

My work is all completed; I’ve escaped its ball and chain.
I grab my bat to run outside…and then it starts to rain.

vs.

14-incongruousMutual Admiration
By Suz Blackaby

Tarantulas are hairy, scary
creatures on the hunt,
and tasty little frogs are just
the bite-sized snacks they want.
Instead these two, with deadly force,
devour each other’s predators,
outfoxing those that do not suss
their bond, which seems incongruous.

6-inhuman vs. 14-incongruous: Which Poem Did You Prefer?

6-inhuman (Mary Lee Hahn) (66%, 245 Votes)

14-incongruous (Suz Blackaby) (34%, 125 Votes)

Total Voters: 370

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“This is awesome, where can I find more?”:
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Ha! Ed, one of my favorite things about this setup is the surprise that comes after you click the button.

Two fun poems, but Mary Lee’s meter is smooth as butter. Well done, both!

David W. Nosker

Mary Lee- I remember it well, just like that

http://www.quinettecook.com Quinette Cook

Agree, Ed. Both poems are thoughtful and well written and the scores don’t necessarily reflect that.

http://julielarios.blogspot.com Julie Larios

Mary Lee’s is just about perfect, but I like the tasty little frogs and the tight line of Suz’s, too. I found these hard to choose between, and the lopsided voting was a big surprise.

http://www.robynhoodblack.com Robyn Hood Black

Hmmm… I’ll have to go see which is ahead, which means I have to actually vote this time. I had to come back. Love Mary Lee’s humor and rhythm, and my high schooler would agree with the premise; Love Suz’s fun language and intriguing subject, which sent me clicking online to learn more (and also to find the word, “suss”!).

http://katswhiskers.wordpress.com KatApel

Both great poems, but that attention to rhythm wins out for me. But I know what you mean about the whoa!

(Sometimes I wonder if different accents produce different rhythms with some of these words.)

Carrie Finison

It is strange to see such lopsided voting between two poems that I think are equally strong.

http://www.pennyklostermann.com Penny Klostermann

I agree about the lopsided vote! A shock since both are excellent! Great job you two!

Pauline Sparks

Many times I have put off voting because I can’t decide – then the suspense gets the better of me and I have to decide so I can see how the voting is going. Almost every time it has been ‘neck and neck’ (whoops! a cliche!) for me it turns out I have voted for the one with the lower score at the time. I’m not sure what that says about me!

Pauline Sparks

Yes … I did vote for the ‘cliche’ poem!

http://sevenacresky.wordpress.com Damon Dean

Great poems both. As frogs and tarantulas go I like seeing the mutual benevolence here…kinda like a bunch of poets in competition! But the homework story touched this old teacher Mary Lee.

http://readingyear.blogspot.com Mary Lee

We have had more indoor recess this winter than any in memory…but maybe EVERY year by the week before spring break it feels this way… I wrote this poem for my perpetually disappointed students. The temperature is warm enough, but…IT’S RAINING AGAIN!! (as it is right now…100% chance all.day.long.)

http://www.facebook.com/juliekrantzbooks juliekrantz

These are both so good. Hard to choose!

http://www.animalhero.com Dave Crawley

Two high vote counts…for two good poems!

http://sunstonewebsites.com John WS Marvin

What circle next to the names? I can’t find anything to click on to vote.

http://www.thinkkidthink.com Ed DeCaria

Hmmm, the poll is there, so I’m not sure what’s up. You must have a java-enabled browser to see the poll, but most broswers should have that. I’m sorry it isn’t working for you. Unfortunately, there is nothing that I can really do for you other than suggest perhaps using a different web browser or device to cast your vote.

http://sunstonewebsites.com John WS Marvin

Where are these circles?

Can’t find them in the current versions of IE, Chrome, or Firefox.

Josh Close

Perhaps someone has already voted from your IP?

http://sunstonewebsites.com John WS Marvin

Doh! Of course. My evil wife voted downstairs just to trick me!

Suz B

Excuse me? PORTLAND! LOL

http://readingyear.blogspot.com Mary Lee

Yeah, okay. Ohio’s got nuttin’ on Portland when it comes to incessant rain.

http://readingyear.blogspot.com Mary Lee

Fun round, Susan! My students enjoyed learning about the incongruous relationship between tarantulas and frogs, and there is renewed interest in your book NEST, NOOK, AND CRANNY. It was an honor to “verse” you! I hope we meet in person someday.